There’s nothing like direct customer feedback to see what’s working, and Wilcor was happy to get plenty of positive response to its new products at the recent IGES/SSS gift and souvenir show in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Safari Ltd., maker of miniature figures, releases around 70 new figures a year and offers more than a thousand in all. Where in the world do they come up with all those ideas? “We get many suggestions from letters and emails,” says Matthew Mullan, social media specialist. “People comment on Facebook and Instagram. You name it.”

Whether trying to prep little ones for school or simply to ward off boredom on a rainy afternoon, parents who want to get their kids experimenting, creating and exploring the world around them will gravitate toward toys and games that teach important STEAM concepts (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math).

Since Worx Toys’ Edutech vehicles have been recognized as one of the most innovative educational toy lines, the firm has diversified its offerings with the revival of a line of brush-on, peel-off nail colors for girls. Bo-Po nail polish, originally marketed by Tinkerbell Play Cosmetics in the 1980s, lets girls easily paint their nails in a wide range of colors. The product is easily peeled off, and allows a quick switch of nail colors.

The concept for the Sip-N-Oodle started in the backyard pool of Cameron Parker’s father, Chip. “I was a young kid at the time, and everyone was relaxing on noodles in the pool. I was splashing around and getting water in their drinks, and one friend said, “Wouldn’t it be great to design something that keeps the water from getting in there?”

Up until January, Scentco, Inc. was known for its school fundraising product, scented pencils known as “Smencils.” Now a vibrant, newly redesigned line of pencils, markers, gel pens, and soon, stuffed animals, is available for retailers. “We brought everything on trend and put a lot of design effort into the products. They have a fresh, fun, new look,” explains Sales Director, Brandie Bowers, who is energized about the changes.

Anyone who has been to the American International Toy Fair in New York City will agree that opening day is a lot like Christmas morning, with many exciting things to see. This year’s show certainly did not disappoint. Hundreds of thousands of amazing new toys, games and youth entertainment products from more than 1,150 companies filled a record breaking 414,060 net square feet of exhibit space.

Specialty retail is a promising category for small business operators. Whether starting a new business or expanding into another product line, carts and kiosks offer retailers the opportunity to run rewarding businesses in choice locations.

The Original Lighted Construction Set™ from Laser Pegs® is a line of kits that combine light and building, two things kids love. Nearly 50 kits are available, and each contains clear or colorful construction pieces in various shapes that snap together securely, as well as a power source.